Huge expectations for Duron Carter as Alabama reports for preseason

TUSCALOOSA -- There are visions dancing in the minds of Alabama fans everywhere of a fresh crop of football players prepared to check in for preseason practice.

To many, today's arrival probably ranks right up there with unwrapping crimson-and-white gifts.

Perhaps no new addition comes with more anticipation than Duron Carter, a transfer from Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College. Since his commitment last spring to sign with Alabama, he has been hyped with the potential to be the Crimson Tide's next big-game wide receiver.

The reputation spawns from his pedigree. His father is Cris Carter, who starred with the Minnesota Vikings and Ohio State.

Duron Carter (6-4, 210) saw his enrollment delayed as Alabama took particular caution with his transcript to ensure a smooth transfer. That meant he missed a lot of voluntary summer workouts.

He has presumably satisfied requirements for enrollment, and would have two seasons to resuscitate his collegiate career. In a text message Wednesday, Cris Carter said he hoped to have his son's transcript issue worked out by Friday.

"The junior college was a dose of humility for him," Cris Carter said in April. "He pretty much lost everything he had going off to Coffeyville, Kansas, and playing there. Now, finishing up here in south Florida, I see the maturity. I see his grades have definitely improved or he wouldn't be in a position to receive a scholarship. From that aspect of it, he realizes it's serious. I believe he's closer to his potential now."

Cris Carter might sound like any parent sharing encouraging words about his child, but he is also an analyst for ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown.

Father and son worked out this summer, with Cris Carter trying to get Duron up to speed on Alabama's pro-style offense.

One concern for the Crimson Tide's offense is replacing wide receiver Julio Jones, one of four Alabama players picked in the first round of the NFL draft. His departure after his junior season gives players such as Marquis Maze and Darius Hanks a chance to shine. But because Hanks must miss two games for playing in one in 2007, Carter and others competing for playing time could get their shot.

"Duron is a big-X receiver," Cris Carter said. "In that style of offense, there's certain ways you can get him the ball. That was advantageous from Duron's own personal standpoint. The way they train the quarterback, the route combinations are pro. They call them the same way the pros call them. That type of training is hard to turn down."

Duron Carter left Ohio State after he struggled to balance football and academics. He caught a touchdown as a freshman before he transferred to Coffeyville, where he caught 44 passes for 690 yards and 10 touchdowns last season.

"The competition in the SEC, I think Duron can live up to it," Cris Carter said. "There's a lot of room for him to grow as a football player. He's still very young at 20. I think he's gonna be a good player, and I think Alabama fans will be proud that Duron came and played for Bama."